BVB205 Animal Biology
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | BVB205 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | BVB101 or BVB214 or BZB210 or (BVB201 and admission to ST20) |
| Equivalent(s): | BVB301 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,968 |
| International unit fee | $6,216 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BVB205 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | BVB101 or BVB214 or BZB210 or (BVB201 and admission to ST20) |
| Equivalent: | BVB301 |
| Coordinator: | Martin Sillence | martin.sillence@qut.edu.au |
Overview
An understanding of animal physiology and anatomy is fundamental to studying the way that animals grow, develop, reproduce and respond to their environments. This unit has a focus on vertebrate physiology but will include elements of invertebrate physiology. The unit builds on earlier studies of cells and genes, to explain how the animal functions as a whole, and how different animals have evolved diverse physiological systems to cope with different environments. Finally, the unit will consider the relationship between animals and humans, placing the topic in a broader societal context. This knowledge will be useful to biology educators and those who wish to pursue further animal studies or research in wildlife, domestic, or companion animals.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain how the physiological systems of different animals interact with each other and how they relate to different environments and species.
- Deconstruct a physiological system into its various sensory and response elements and explain its interaction with other systems.
- Evaluate physiological evidence and argument on a key issue concerning animal development and diversity, with an appreciation of how knowledge from other disciplines can inform your position.
- Collaborate in a team environment to construct a convincing, evidence-based oral argument relating to a critical issue in animal biology.
- Conduct independent research into a controversial topic in animal biology, using quality sources.
Content
In this unit, you will study:
- Comparative physiology, with reference to the main physiological systems (respiration and transport, sensory, movement)
- Animal anatomy
- Animal diversity and adaptation
- Animal and human interactions.
Learning Approaches
This unit will employ an intensive modularised, blended learning approach. Each of four modules will comprise a significant on-line component, followed by an intensive block of interactive lectures, workshops, laboratory practicals and assessment. Whereas the on-line component and assessment tasks are largely individual, much of the learning during the intensive days will occur during group work.
You can expect to spend between 10 - 15 hours per week on average involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled classes, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning.
The emphasis in this unit will be on flexible, collaborative and practical hands-on learning as far as possible. The basic principles of physiology and anatomy will be learned through a combination of demonstration, dissection, construction and the use of computer simulation, where the behaviour of individual 'virtual' organs can be studied under various physiological conditions.
You will also investigate the broader association between animals and humans, through directed reading, independent research and a debate. This will help to prepare you for future studies and applied research in animal biology, by understanding the broader context of how animals are viewed, protected, used and abused in society.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Your laboratory workbook, Invigilated tests and scientific presentation will be assessed formally. A mark will be given for each criterion, a grade will be assigned, and the papers will be annotated with written feedback from your marker. These items will be available for you to review throughout the semester, as soon as they have been assessed.
Assessment
Overview
Assessment in this unit will be divided into three elements:
A laboratory workbook will be completed during each practical class.
A series of three tests, administered in the form of an invigilated, closed book mini-examination, will assess your knowledge and understanding of the first three physiology modules of the unit.
An oral presentation, delivered in the form of a debate, will assess your understanding of a critical issue concerning animal welfare and your ability to communicate this.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Laboratory Workbook
You will complete a laboratory work book during each practical class and submit this for marking at the end of each class.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Invigilated tests
You will undertake a short, invigilated assessment at the end of each of the first three intensive modules which are designed to bring together the theory from on-line material you have studied with the practical exercises you have undertaken during the laboratory day (including observation and interpretation of physical artefacts).
Assessment: Scientific Presentation
You will be assigned a particular issue concerning a controversial aspect of animal biology that has been exploited by humans. Working individually, you will research both sides of the issue to gain a thorough understanding of the topic and the arguments that could be presented for or against. On the morning of the intensive workshop, you will be assigned to a small group and told whether your group must argue for or against the proposition. For the rest of the day your group will work together to craft a series of short, cogent presentations to be delivered before the rest of the class at the end of the day, alternating with short presentations from an opposing team. The presentations will be assessed in real-time by two independent markers. Your group will also prepare a short briefing document which outlines the arguments you will present, suitable for use if you were to argue your case to a senior official e.g., Minister or CEO.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Costs
No additional consts
Resources
Resources to support your learning in this unit will be made available in your Canvas unit site. This unit, makes use of a recommended textbook, the details of which are listed below.
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Principles of Animal Physiology, 3rd Edition Christopher D Moyes and Patricia M Schulte, Pearson 2015.
Risk Assessment Statement
This unit will involve some laboratory work and the procedures involved are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will be provided with a Laboratory Health and Safety Manual in this unit. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. Having been provided with this information, it is your responsibility to read and comply with these instructions for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.
You will also be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.ST01 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Laboratory Workbook, Invigilated tests, Scientific Presentation - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Laboratory Workbook, Invigilated tests, Scientific Presentation - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO5, Scientific Presentation - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Scientific Presentation - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO4, Scientific Presentation
SV02 Bachelor of Science
- Develop a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of science and a specialised, in-depth knowledge of at least one discipline.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Laboratory Workbook, Invigilated tests, Scientific Presentation - Use higher order thinking skills to design, plan, and conduct investigations and evaluate data to address scientific questions and challenges.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Laboratory Workbook, Invigilated tests, Scientific Presentation - Develop and demonstrate key competencies in scientific practices and relevant technologies.
Relates to: ULO5, Scientific Presentation - Communicate scientific findings, concepts and evidence-based reasoning to diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
Relates to: ULO4, Scientific Presentation - Work autonomously and collaboratively with others in an inclusive and professional manner and use critical reflection for personal and professional growth.
Relates to: ULO4, Scientific Presentation